‘King of the Ring’ Pablo Barrios Wins $25k Lexington Classic at Kentucky Horse Shows

Pablo Barrios and Zara Leandra

Although Barrios was part of a handful of riders to only compete one horse in the class, he was confident that he and long-time mount Zara Leandra had what it took to win. The 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare, who is owned by Barrios, easily navigated the course, designed by Oscar Soberon. The pair have already had a successful summer with a win in the $50,000 Country Heir II Grand Prix and a second-place finish in the $25,000 Rood and Riddle Grand Prix, both at the Kentucky Horse Park.

Pablo Barrios won the $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Grand Prix

Barrios, who has previously received the $50,000 purse for winning the Challenge Series in past years, knows the cash prize is up for grabs as three different riders have won the three classes so far this year.

Grand Prix competition will continue in the Rolex Stadium on Saturday evening with the $50,000 Rood and Riddle Kentucky Grand Prix.

David Beisel on Ammeretto

For more information on the Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, please visit www.hagyard.com.

Several other generous sponsors have helped make this exciting series event happen. These gracious supporters include title sponsor Zoetis, MWI Animal Health, Sallee Horse Vans Inc., as well as Audi of Lexington, Pike & Preston and Hagyard Pharmacy.

FROM THE WINNER’S CIRCLE

On his strategy in the jump-off:

“It is always a fast jump-off here. I lost a class in June during the Country Heir Show – I thought I was fast enough but here whoever is behind you is gunning for you. Nobody wants to be second. I tried to go as fast as possible and she really responded well. I think the track of the jump-off fit her well.” – Pablo Barrios

On Zara Leandra:

“She has a fabulous temperament for a mare. She is a fighter, like all females, and she really enjoys what she does and fights to win. She isn’t the most scopey horse but she wants to please me and I really appreciate that about her.” – Pablo Barrios

On The Hagyard Challenge Series:

“It’s a big incentive for the riders. Most of the riders here have owners, so normally the prize money goes to them but it’s great this series is just for us. This year is going to be one of the most interesting because the people who won the first two challenge classes are not competing here now. I am not sure I will be in contention this year because I only have one horse and unfortunately you really need to have three horses to help accumulate the points. The only way for me to win the 2017 series is to win everything from here to the end and nothing is impossible, so we will see.” – Pablo Barrios

On Ammeretto:

“I have been riding him for nine years since he was a three-year-old. In the jump-off, the 6 [stride] got away from me that first line and I pushed his nitrous button and he said ‘No Problem, I got ya Dad!’ It is lovely to have a horse that you know so well. I can think it and he does it and that’s a real gift.” – David Beisel